2016 Aile d'Argent du Mouton Rothschild

The 2016 Aile d’Argent underwent a high percentage of malolactic fermentation (27%). It has a generous, expressive bouquet of honeysuckle, beeswax and lime flower aromas, and just a light oily/Riesling note in the background. The palate is well balanced and crisp, with a fine line of acidity and a touch of stem ginger and orange peel toward the finish. This is beautifully balanced and long, and while not quite in the league of the 2015 Aile d’Argent, it is seriously delicious.

The aromas of dried pineapple and mangoes dominate the nose with hints of macaroons and cooked apples. Full-bodied, dense and tannic with serious thickness. It’s layered, extremely long and chewy with a powerful and ripe finish. Exotic, wild wine with large presence. Why wait?

The 2016 Aile d'Argent has developed nicely since I last tasted it. Dried flowers, chamomile, mint, lemon confit and tropical notes are all nicely woven together. The Aile d'Argent is quite ample in feel, but less overtly exotic and sweet than it has been in some recent years.